• UFC 136

Melendez fancies 'making a statement' against Guillard

Melvin Guillard has won his last five UFC bouts © Getty Images

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Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez will be acting as bait for Melvin Guillard this weekend, after stating he would love to fight the Young Assassin.

Melendez is on the cusp of a move to the UFC, most likely after his Strikeforce collision with Jorge Masvidal. UFC president Dana White said the Cesar Gracie fighter is on his way, and his five-fight win streak ensures Melendez will arrive with strong claims for a lightweight title shot.

Another man striving for a crack at UFC gold is Guillard, who takes on Joe Lauzon at UFC 136 in a potential Fight of the Night this weekend. Guillard has been vocal in his demands for a championship bout, and he will further those claims if he can deliver a victory on the same night Frankie Edgar meets Gray Maynard.

Melendez is not arrogant enough to assume he would walk directly to the front of the queue when he comes to the UFC, but he admits a collision with Guillard - for No. 1 contender spot - appeals greatly.

"[Guillard] or any of those guys," Melendez said. "If I can't get a title shot, then a No. 1 contender; if not a No. 1 contender, then a No. 2 contender - anyone who will get me closer to the title.

"Melvin Guillard is someone I'd welcome; I'd welcome the challenge. I think I match up well. I think I could also make a statement against him."

Melendez's focus is solely on Masvidal for the now, fully in the knowledge that one defeat could spell the end of his UFC dream. "I am taking this fight with Masvidal dead serious," Melendez said. "I'm not getting overly excited about a comment Dana White said.

"Though it does excite me, I can't lie about that, this is the most important fight. It's very significant. Masvidal is tougher than a lot of people think. In this business you are only as good as your last fight."

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